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Did you know? At Academy of Art University, you can study composition, perspective, environment design, figure drawing and character design—everything you’ll need to embark on a creatively rewarding visual development career. Learn more

The Garden State is probably one of the best places for aspiring artists and here’s why. It is so close to New York and all it has to offer, that students and salaried artists alike can live in a much more affordable state, while enjoying the benefits of New York. If the goal is to move to New York one day, New Jersey is definitely a great place to live until your big break.

The state is home to major art museums such as Princeton University Art Museum (Princeton), Montclair Art Museum (Montclair), and the Hunterdon Art Museum in Clinton. New Jersey has an impressive collection of smaller art galleries as well in addition to art & design studios, production studios, and performance venues located throughhout principal cities such as Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, and Edison, to name a few.

In addition to a lively art and culture scene, easy access to New York, and affordability, New Jersey is home to a number of colleges and universities that offer art programs. Some of the state’s top art schools/programs include Rutgers in Camden, Rowan University in Glassboro, and Kean University in Montclair.

New Jersey is home to more than 50 accredited colleges and universities, with more than 337,870 undergraduates enrolled. Hundreds of students are enrolled in art programs, with more than 100 enrolled in the state’s top art programs. Scroll through the list below to take a look at New Jersey’s best options for aspiring artists and what they have to offer.

Employment and Salary Trends for New Jersey Artists

New Jersey is home to a large population of around 43,250 salaried artists. In 2002, it was home to 40,510. Salaries increased as well. In 2002, New Jersey artists averaged $45,350. In 2010, they averaged $54,690. The mean annual wage for artists nationwide was $52,290 in 2010. In 2002, the average salary was $41,660.

Art Directors: New Jersey had a population of 900 art directors in 2002. By 2010, the population had increased to an impressive 1,040. Salaries for art directors increased significantly during the same period. In 2002, New Jersey art directors averaged $70,300. In 2010, they averaged $88,580.

Fine Artists: New Jersey had a population of 280 fine artists in 2002. By 2008, the population had decreased slightly to 230. Fortunately, salaries for fine artists increased between 2002 and 2008. In 2002, New Jersey fine artists averaged $42,840. In 2008, the